New flood performance certificates could help homeowners understand property risks

Homeowners could soon have access to a new type of certificate showing how vulnerable their property is to flooding and what measures have been taken to reduce the risk of damage.

The Government and Flood Re announced plans on 13 October 2026 to pilot Flood Performance Certificates.

The proposed certificates would provide a standardised way of assessing a property’s flood resilience, helping homeowners understand where improvements might be worthwhile.

They could also provide insurers with more consistent information about the measures already in place.

How would the certificates work?

The proposed system has been compared with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), although it would assess flood risk rather than energy efficiency.

A Flood Performance Rating is among the options being considered.

Assessments could take account of a property’s location, construction and any measures installed to prevent water entering the building or reduce damage if flooding occurs.

For example, two neighbouring properties may face similar flood risks but have different levels of protection.

One might have flood-resistant doors, raised electrical sockets or other adaptations, while the other has no additional protection.

A standardised assessment could help explain those differences.

Will flood certificates become compulsory?

The proposals are currently at the pilot stage, and the Government has not announced a general requirement for homeowners to obtain a certificate.

Flood Re is also developing its BeFloodReady platform to help property owners understand flood resilience and the improvements available.

In the meantime, homeowners can check their property’s exposure to flooding through the Government’s long-term flood risk service.